Analysing systems

What is systems analysis?  

The ability to understand the construct of systems and the relationships between them, looking at functionality, components, and integration. 

System analysis is often used in tandem with other forms of analysis, to support the procurement, development, implementation, and management of ICT solutions, ensuring there is alignment to organisational strategy and that organisational and user requirements are met.   

Knowledge  

• Technological awareness.  
• Understanding of system analysis tools and techniques.  
• Understanding of project and programme management methodologies.  
• Understanding of enterprise architecture considerations.  
• Knowledge of visualisation tools.    

Skills  

Able to:  

• Think strategically: Consider system analysis in the context of the target outcome(s) of the transformation. 
• Define the objective and scope: To ensure that systems analysis is conducted in support of business objectives.
• Map and engage stakeholders: Involving system users in the analysis of the solution and those who support its management and maintenance. 
• Gather requirements: Understanding user needs and pain points and documenting these to inform changes using a combination of one to ones, workshops, and observation of the working system. 
• Create visual representations: Mapping key components, data flows, entity relationships and process flows. 
• Analyse the system: In the context of organisational objectives, applying architecture principles, considering resilience, security, scalability, compatibility, and maintainability, and making recommendations on opportunities for improvement or replacement. 
• Conduct gap analysis: To identify gaps between the current system and the organisation requirements. 
• Document findings and recommendations: To ensure a reference point for future decision making. 
• Develop system specifications (if required): Translating business requirements into solution functionality and requirements.
• Support evaluation of solutions: Against specifications and requirements covering both functional and non-functional needs. 
• Collaborate and communicate: Ensuring ongoing involvement from key stakeholders and effective communication verbally during engagement and in written form to capture outputs from workshops and to enable reporting. 
• Manage risk: Identity, assess and manage the risks associated with system analysis.  

Behaviours  

Behaviours associated with systems analysis require team members to be: